The 2025 USL Championship season is about to get underway, and if anything is in the air, it's anticipation. The last campaign included sold-out stadiums, all-time-high viewership, and the historic crowning of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as first-ever champions. With major shifts on and off the field, though, Western Conference clubs are poised to embark on the new season looking to find their identity and fight for the championship. But who's actually ready? Who could take everyone by surprise? And who is ready to crack up?
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC carry the responsibility to defend a title
Winning the championship is not easy. Winning it again, though? Harder still. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC would find this the hard way and now must show that their championship victory was no fluke. Off the field, the organization experienced major developments, with the club being picked up by Weidner Apartment Homes and replaced with Brad Estes as its president.
On the pitch, the squad retains most of its core but lost vital parts like Ronaldo Damus and Speedy Williams. The mission: Replacing their top scorer. Keep an eye on Anthony Fontana, just back from Europe, to try to re-start his career and be an influence.
Head coach James Chambers is sticking with the 4-2-3-1 shape, founded on an attacking midfield and quick transitions. The defense remains organized by Matt Mahoney, one of last season's surprise center-backs. But will Colorado Springs be able to keep up their breakneck pace without their primary attack force?
El Paso Locomotive FC started rebuilding early
As Colorado Springs struggles to stay at the top, El Paso Locomotive FC is merely trying to get back into the mix. Last season was rough, but the front office moved fast, replacing Brian Clarhaut with Wilmer Cabrera halfway through the campaign. They ended the season strong, but can they carry that into 2025?
Their club makeover is fascinating. El Paso hired players familiar with Cabrera's style, including Wahab Ackwei, Ricky Ruiz, and Robert Coronado, to bolster the defense. In the attacking front, Frank Lopez transfers from Miami FC and hopes to be Cabrera's preferred forward.
In goal, Jahmali Waite was a lifesaver last season, doubling his previous career high in saves. But if the defense does not get its act together, it will not be enough to carry the team on his back. El Paso will not be a title contender, but they will have a decent shot at making the playoffs.
Las Vegas Lights FC must get their investment to pay dividends
Las Vegas bet the farm last season, and the bet paid off in the form of their first playoff experience. Now the ante is raised again. The absence of head coach Dennis Sanchez was a loss, but the acquisition of Antonio Nocerino brings new perspective.
The biggest change? The attack. Top scorer Khori Bennett went to Al-Nasr SC, and in his place is Johnny Rodriguez, who tallied 24 goals in the past two seasons with Oakland Roots. He could be the missing piece to push Las Vegas further.
Creative midfielder Valentin Noël remains the conductor, and 19-year-old Nighte Pickering is one to watch in 2025. With one of the greatest year-to-year point increases in league history, the Lights are potentially one of the biggest 2025 surprises.
Lexington SC is the new kid that won't be overlooked
Lexington SC makes its USL Championship debut on high hopes. The team wants to play right away, and to do so, they signed head coach Terry Boss, who is an experienced college soccer and MLS coach, as well as marquee signings.
The midfield was bolstered by the addition of Speedy Williams, the only player in USL history to win four USL Championship titles. The front line is headed by Cameron Lancaster as the main scoring threat, with youngster Alfredo Midence hoping to replicate the success he had during his stint in USL League One.
Lexington's largest issue last season? Losing points from winning positions. If they can learn to close out games, they might surprise the league.
Monterey Bay FC is hungry for consistency
Monterey Bay's largest issue? Consistency. This team is skilled but has no level of performance consistently. To rectify that, the front office went nuclear on the roster.
The attack got a huge shot in the arm with Adam Larsson, a Swedish winger who tore up the Finnish league. The downside? The defense was hurt, losing goalkeeper Antony Siaha and rock-solid defender Morey Doner.
Head coach Jordan Stewart has a slim window to make it all happen. If it doesn't click soon, Monterey Bay could end up making the same mistakes as the past two seasons.
Oakland Roots SC is all or nothing
Oakland was a team of extremes last year. At their best, they could challenge top contenders. At their worst? They suffered humiliating blowouts. The goal for 2025? Stability.
The attack was completely rebuilt after Johnny Rodriguez’s departure, with Peter Wilson and Jürgen Damm stepping in. The real issue, though, is the defense. Oakland gave up 35% of their total goals in just four games last season.
If head coach Gavin Glinton can address the defensive mess, Oakland possesses the talent to be a formidable threat. If not, it's another rollercoaster ride.
Who will rise? Who will fall?
The 2025 USL Championship promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The favorite is Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, but a loss of their roster could get interesting. Las Vegas Lights FC and Lexington SC are building something special, and Oakland Roots and Monterey Bay FC need to find their feet quickly.
Whomever is crowned with the title, one thing is for sure, the Western Conference is ready for business, and anything can happen.